Asfar, Taghrid and Alcaide, Maria Luisa and Jones, Deborah L and McClure, Laura A and Brewer, Judson and Lee, David J and Carrico, Adam (2022) HIV patients' perceptions of a potential multi-component mindfulness-based smoking cessation smartphone application intervention. PLoS ONE, 17, (8), e0271946. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271946..
External website: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.13...
OBJECTIVES: Cigarette smoking rates among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the US is triple that of the general population. PLWH smokers are a high-risk group for smoking-related health disparities and should be a prime focus for smoking cessation efforts. Our team has developed a novel evidence-based Mindfulness Training (MT) smoking cessation smartphone application (app), "Craving-to-Quit." Using qualitative focus groups among PLWH smokers, this study aims to tailor and optimize the app's content and design to PLWH's unique psychosocial profile and needs.
METHODS: We conducted 8 focus groups among PLWH smokers (n = 59; 47.5% females; ≥18 years) to gain insight into participants' perceptions about the app, MT, and the feasibility and acceptability of adding two additional strategies (CM: Contingency Management; self-monitoring of anti-retroviral therapies intake [ART]) to further optimize the app. Participants were asked to practice MTs and watch videos from the app presented on a screen in the conference room to discuss their experience. Sessions were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo.
RESULTS: Most participants were non-Hispanic black (67.8%), on a federal health insurance program (61.0%). Participants considered it easy to learn the app and thought that MT is helpful in reducing stress and motivating quit attempts and were supportive of adding CM and recommended providing $20-$50 weekly cash incentives to help in quitting. Participants felt that adding self-monitoring of ART is helpful but were concerned about confidentiality in case they lost their phone. Participants recommended making the app cost-free and adding information about smoking cessation medications and the negative effects of smoking among PLWH.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings will guide the development of a novel multi-component smoking cessation intervention app integrating MT, CM, and ART self-monitoring strategies. This intervention has the potential to address several barriers to quitting in PLWH. Further clinical research is needed to test this intervention.
HJ Treatment or recovery method > Psychosocial treatment method
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Treatment and maintenance > Patient / client attitude toward treatment (experience)
N Communication, information and education > Telehealth / Telemedicine / mHealth / eHealth
VA Geographic area > United States
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